Commodity foods distribution is set for May 17

Friends In Service Helping will take over free distribution of the USDA commodity foods May 17.

The distribution takes place from 9-11 a.m. at the Carson City Community Center, 851 E. William St. No one will be allowed in before 9 a.m.

FISH will maintain the policies and procedures that were in place with the previous distributions conducted by the RSVP Carson City volunteers.

To be eligible, Carson City families must sign the issuance sheet at the Community Center certifying that their household’s annual income does not exceed federal poverty guidelines. They are monthly gross income of $1,396.25 for one person and $1,891.25 for a couple; $495 is added for each additional household member. Proof of Carson City residency and picture ID must be provided. Food may be picked up for the home-bound or those unable to attend by bringing a signed note from them and their picture ID.

FISH and the State Commodity Food Program order all food that is available. If the food runs out, it is because FISH could not obtain more. People declaring overly large families for commodities will be asked for proof of family members. This month’s commodity foods include pinto beans, rotini pasta, mixed fruit, diced tomatoes, orange juice, frozen blueberries and pork patties.

RSVP volunteers will still be helping FISH.

“RSVP volunteers who for 33 years have distributed the food will continue to bag and distribute the commodities as before; however, RSVP is grateful to FISH for taking over the contract,” said Janice Ayres, RSVP executive director, in a news release. “RSVP ceased to receive the food because it appeared in their funding sources as if they had actually received federal funds in the thousands of dollars when actually it only received the food. It affected other funding for RSVP, who had a cap on governmental funds. Before RSVP relinquished the contract with the state, it made certain of a seamless transition to FISH so that no one receiving commodities would be hurt.

“We know FISH, along with RSVP volunteers, will continue to see that commodities are distributed as always,” Ayres said.

RSVP will continue to operate the Farmer’s Market this summer, and coupons will be available in June.

For more information, call the Nevada Food Distribution Program at 775-687-2828 or FISH at 775-882-3474.